José Roberto Gomes Santana
Encyclopedia
José Roberto Gomes Santana, commonly known as Zé Roberto (born September 13, 1978 in Pastos Bons
) is an association footballer who most recently played for the Rochester Rhinos in the USL First Division
. Zé Roberto began his career in his native Brazil
, where he played with several clubs in the lower divisions. In 2002, he went abroad to North America to sign with the Hershey Wildcats
of the A-League
. It was there he was first introduced to Bob Lilley
, who first deployed him as a playmaker
that would lead him to prominence.
After the Wildcats folded, Zé Roberto was signed by the Montreal Impact
in 2002. In Montreal he played an important role that would transform the Impact into a league powerhouse that would eventually dominate the league for latter part of the decade. His accolades during his tenure with Montreal include the League Championship, Regular-Season Championship, and the Voyageurs Cup
. Following a successful run with the Impact, Zé Roberto had injury prone seasons during the end of his career that would restrict his appearances throughout the season. On January, 2010 he was ranked 22nd in the USL First Division
Top 25 of the Decade, which announced a list of the best and most influential players of the previous decade.
where he played for three seasons. He also had stints with Palmeiras
, Corinthians
and Seà San Carlese.
of the A-League
. In his debut season he amassed five goals and 3 assists in a total of 25 games. His contributions led to him being named Hershey’s Rookie of the Year. The following year he helped the Wildcats post the best record (16–7–3) and the best offence (45 goals scored) in the Northern Conference, which enabled the club to reach the post season. In the post season, Ze Roberto guided Hershey to the finals of the championship game but were beaten 2–0 by the Rochester Rhinos. Once the season came to a conclusion he was picked on a select team of A-League players that toured Portugal
to face the reserve teams of Benfica and Sporting Lisbon, as well as against the U-21 Portuguese national football team
.
In 2002 the Hershey Wildcats announced the folding of the club, which meant the release of all players from their contracts. He was then subsequently offered a contract from the Montreal Impact
where he was reunited by his former head coach Bob Lilley
. In his first season he was named Impact's Newcomer of the Year, and won the Voyageurs Cup
. His sophomore season was his most productive offensive season by scoring six goals, adding five assists while being named to the A-League All League Second Team. In 2004, Zé Roberto was a dominate factor in Montreal's league winning season, where he started in all five playoff games and set-up the championship-winning goal that won the franchise's second league championship. Other accolades achieved throughout the season was winning the Voyageurs Cup for a record third consecutive year and being awarded the Unsung Hero Award, as well a selection into the A-League Second All-League team for the second time in his career.
The 2005 season embarked another successful stint with the Impact for Zé Roberto, as he helped the club to a 15-game undefeated streak which marked a new league record. Unfortunately for him he suffered a knee sprain injury on August 7, 2005 in a match against the Atlanta Silverbacks
, which ruled him out for the rest of the season. Though he did manage to help the Impact claim the regular-season title. In 2006, he signed a new three year deal with Montreal. During the 2006 season he became the 10th player in club history to reach the 100 career games played mark with the Impact on June 24, 2006. Once again suffered an injury on August 25, 2006 forcing him to miss the rest of the season as well as the playoffs, but was able to defend their regular-season title and Voyageurs Cup for the fifth consecutive time.
Midway through the 2007 season, Zé Roberto was traded to the Vancouver Whitecaps on July 26, 2007 along with Alen Marcina
for Joey Gjertsen
and David Testo
. During his short tenure with Vancouver he appeared in a total of six matches and helped the team clinch a playoff berth. In the club's playoff round the Whitecaps were eliminated by the Portland Timbers
in the first round of the United Soccer Leagues First Division playoffs. After the 2007 USL season ended, Zé Roberto was signed by the Detroit Ignition
of the Major Indoor Soccer League
, soon to be followed by his Whitecaps coach Bob Lilley
.
On April 9, 2008, Ze Roberto, Luke Kreamalmeyer
and Leslie Fitzpatrick
were signed by the Rochester Rhinos for the 2008 season
. During the season he appeared in 15 matches and scored three goals, but once more he suffered an injury which reduced his season. He contributions allowed the Rhinos into the playoffs by finishing fourth in the standings. In the club's playoff run the Rhinos defeated Charleston Battery
in the quarterfinals to advance to the semifinals. There the Rhinos were defeated by the Puerto Rico Islanders
on a 3–2 aggregate on goals.
On February 17, 2009, the Rhinos announced the re-signing of Ze Roberto and along with striker Chris Sanders to a one-year deal with a one-year option for 2010. The following season he led the Rhinos to a sixth place finish in the standings enough to clinch a playoff spot. In the post season the Rhinos were eliminated in the quarterfinals by the Islanders once again on a 5–3 aggregate on goals. In 2010, Ze Roberto was once again reunited with his former mentor Bob Lilley, as he was appointed the new head coach for Rochester. Due to the significant restructuring of the organization he was deemed surplus to the Rhinos and his one-year option in his contract was not renewed making him a free agent.
Pastos Bons
Pastos Bons is a town and municipality in the state of Maranhão in the Northeast region of Brazil.-References:...
) is an association footballer who most recently played for the Rochester Rhinos in the USL First Division
USL First Division
The United Soccer Leagues First Division was a professional men's soccer league in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico....
. Zé Roberto began his career in his native Brazil
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
, where he played with several clubs in the lower divisions. In 2002, he went abroad to North America to sign with the Hershey Wildcats
Hershey Wildcats
Hershey Wildcats were a professional soccer team, based in Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA, that played in the USL A-League between 1997 and 2001. The team was owned by Hershey Entertainment and Resorts Company...
of the A-League
A-League (1995–2004)
The A-League was a professional men's soccer league which featured teams from both the United States and Canada. The A-League emerged out of the restructured American Professional Soccer League in 1995 and operated until 2004, after which it was re-branded the USL First Division...
. It was there he was first introduced to Bob Lilley
Bob Lilley
Robert "Bob" Lilley is an American former soccer player and head coach. He has managed the Hershey Wildcats, Montreal Impact, Vancouver Whitecaps, Detroit Ignition, and Rochester Rhinos....
, who first deployed him as a playmaker
Playmaker
In association football, a playmaker is a player who controls the flow of the team's offensive play, and is often involved in passing moves which lead to goals....
that would lead him to prominence.
After the Wildcats folded, Zé Roberto was signed by the Montreal Impact
Montreal Impact
Montreal Impact was a Canadian professional soccer club based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Founded in 1992, the team played in the North American Soccer League , the second tier of the American Soccer Pyramid until the 2011 season. The owner Joey Saputo now operates the MLS team Montreal ImpactThe...
in 2002. In Montreal he played an important role that would transform the Impact into a league powerhouse that would eventually dominate the league for latter part of the decade. His accolades during his tenure with Montreal include the League Championship, Regular-Season Championship, and the Voyageurs Cup
Voyageurs Cup
The Voyageurs Cup is the only trophy for top-level professional soccer in Canada. From 2002 to 2007, the cup was awarded annually to the Canadian team finishing with the best record in the USL First Division, from regular season matches against other Canadian teams in the league, and from 2008 the...
. Following a successful run with the Impact, Zé Roberto had injury prone seasons during the end of his career that would restrict his appearances throughout the season. On January, 2010 he was ranked 22nd in the USL First Division
USL First Division
The United Soccer Leagues First Division was a professional men's soccer league in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico....
Top 25 of the Decade, which announced a list of the best and most influential players of the previous decade.
Early career in South America
Zé Roberto began his football career with Tuna Luso BrasileiraTuna Luso Brasileira
Tuna Luso Brasileira, or Tuna Luso as they are usually called, is a Brazilian football team from Belém in Pará, founded on January 1, 1903. The club won the Campeonato Brasileiro Série B in 1985, the Campeonato Brasileiro Série C in 1992, and has also won the state championship ten...
where he played for three seasons. He also had stints with Palmeiras
Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras
Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras is a Brazilian football club from São Paulo. The club was founded on August 26, 1914, as Palestra Italia but changed to the current name on September 14, 1942...
, Corinthians
Sport Club Corinthians Paulista
Sport Club Corinthians Paulista, commonly just known as Corinthians , is a Brazilian football club based in the city of São Paulo. They play in the São Paulo state league, as well as the Brasileirão, Brazil's top national league...
and Seà San Carlese.
United States
In 2000, Zé Roberto went abroad to the United States to sign a contract with the Hershey WildcatsHershey Wildcats
Hershey Wildcats were a professional soccer team, based in Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA, that played in the USL A-League between 1997 and 2001. The team was owned by Hershey Entertainment and Resorts Company...
of the A-League
A-League
The A-League is the top Australasian professional football league. Run by Australian governing body Football Federation Australia , it was founded in 2004 following the folding of the National Soccer League and staged its inaugural season in 2005–06. It is sponsored by Hyundai Motor Company...
. In his debut season he amassed five goals and 3 assists in a total of 25 games. His contributions led to him being named Hershey’s Rookie of the Year. The following year he helped the Wildcats post the best record (16–7–3) and the best offence (45 goals scored) in the Northern Conference, which enabled the club to reach the post season. In the post season, Ze Roberto guided Hershey to the finals of the championship game but were beaten 2–0 by the Rochester Rhinos. Once the season came to a conclusion he was picked on a select team of A-League players that toured Portugal
Portugal
Portugal , officially the Portuguese Republic is a country situated in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country of Europe, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the West and South and by Spain to the North and East. The Atlantic archipelagos of the...
to face the reserve teams of Benfica and Sporting Lisbon, as well as against the U-21 Portuguese national football team
Portugal national under-21 football team
The Portugal national under-21 football team is the national under-21 football team of Portugal and is controlled by the Portuguese Football Federation . They are nicknamed "Esperanças." Esperança means hope, thus they are Portugal's hopes for the future...
.
In 2002 the Hershey Wildcats announced the folding of the club, which meant the release of all players from their contracts. He was then subsequently offered a contract from the Montreal Impact
Montreal Impact
Montreal Impact was a Canadian professional soccer club based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Founded in 1992, the team played in the North American Soccer League , the second tier of the American Soccer Pyramid until the 2011 season. The owner Joey Saputo now operates the MLS team Montreal ImpactThe...
where he was reunited by his former head coach Bob Lilley
Bob Lilley
Robert "Bob" Lilley is an American former soccer player and head coach. He has managed the Hershey Wildcats, Montreal Impact, Vancouver Whitecaps, Detroit Ignition, and Rochester Rhinos....
. In his first season he was named Impact's Newcomer of the Year, and won the Voyageurs Cup
Voyageurs Cup
The Voyageurs Cup is the only trophy for top-level professional soccer in Canada. From 2002 to 2007, the cup was awarded annually to the Canadian team finishing with the best record in the USL First Division, from regular season matches against other Canadian teams in the league, and from 2008 the...
. His sophomore season was his most productive offensive season by scoring six goals, adding five assists while being named to the A-League All League Second Team. In 2004, Zé Roberto was a dominate factor in Montreal's league winning season, where he started in all five playoff games and set-up the championship-winning goal that won the franchise's second league championship. Other accolades achieved throughout the season was winning the Voyageurs Cup for a record third consecutive year and being awarded the Unsung Hero Award, as well a selection into the A-League Second All-League team for the second time in his career.
The 2005 season embarked another successful stint with the Impact for Zé Roberto, as he helped the club to a 15-game undefeated streak which marked a new league record. Unfortunately for him he suffered a knee sprain injury on August 7, 2005 in a match against the Atlanta Silverbacks
Atlanta Silverbacks
Atlanta Silverbacks is an American professional soccer team based in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. Founded in 1995, the team plays in the North American Soccer League , the second tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, having previously sat out the 2009 and 2010 seasons while the ownership...
, which ruled him out for the rest of the season. Though he did manage to help the Impact claim the regular-season title. In 2006, he signed a new three year deal with Montreal. During the 2006 season he became the 10th player in club history to reach the 100 career games played mark with the Impact on June 24, 2006. Once again suffered an injury on August 25, 2006 forcing him to miss the rest of the season as well as the playoffs, but was able to defend their regular-season title and Voyageurs Cup for the fifth consecutive time.
Midway through the 2007 season, Zé Roberto was traded to the Vancouver Whitecaps on July 26, 2007 along with Alen Marcina
Alen Marcina
Alen Marcina is a Canadian soccer player who currently plays for Miami FC in the USL First Division.-Club:...
for Joey Gjertsen
Joey Gjertsen
Joey Gjertsen is an American soccer player who currently plays for San Jose Earthquakes in Major League Soccer.-College:...
and David Testo
David Testo
David Testo is an American soccer player. He is one of the few openly gay athletes in professional sports.-College:...
. During his short tenure with Vancouver he appeared in a total of six matches and helped the team clinch a playoff berth. In the club's playoff round the Whitecaps were eliminated by the Portland Timbers
Portland Timbers (USL)
Portland Timbers was an American professional soccer team based in Portland, Oregon, United States. Founded in 2001, the team played in various leagues at the second tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, including the USL First Division and the USSF Division 2 Professional League, until the end of...
in the first round of the United Soccer Leagues First Division playoffs. After the 2007 USL season ended, Zé Roberto was signed by the Detroit Ignition
Detroit Ignition
The Detroit Ignition is a dormant American indoor soccer team that has played three seasons, most recently 2008-09.In April 2006, Greg Bibb, president of Hantz Group Sports and Entertainment, introduced the teams as a new Major Indoor Soccer League expansion team. They played at the Compuware...
of the Major Indoor Soccer League
Major Indoor Soccer League (2001–2008)
The Major Indoor Soccer League was the top professional indoor soccer league in the USA. The league was a member of both the United States Soccer Federation and FIFA. The MISL had replaced the NPSL which folded in 2001. According to MISL.net, the league has ceased operations as of May 31, 2008...
, soon to be followed by his Whitecaps coach Bob Lilley
Bob Lilley
Robert "Bob" Lilley is an American former soccer player and head coach. He has managed the Hershey Wildcats, Montreal Impact, Vancouver Whitecaps, Detroit Ignition, and Rochester Rhinos....
.
On April 9, 2008, Ze Roberto, Luke Kreamalmeyer
Luke Kreamalmeyer
Luke Kreamalmeyer is an American soccer player.-College and Amateur:Kreamalmeyer attended Edwardsville High School where he scored a hat trick in the final state championship soccer game. He then played college soccer at Bradley University from 2001 to 2004...
and Leslie Fitzpatrick
Leslie Fitzpatrick
Leslie "Tiger" Fitzpatrick is a Trinidadian soccer player who currently plays for Rochester Rhinos in the USL First Division.-College:...
were signed by the Rochester Rhinos for the 2008 season
United Soccer Leagues 2008
The 2008 Season is the 22nd edition of the United Soccer Leagues season.The season kicked off on Friday, April 12 with two First Division games, as the Charleston Battery visited Miami FC and the Montreal Impact visited the Vancouver Whitecaps.-General:...
. During the season he appeared in 15 matches and scored three goals, but once more he suffered an injury which reduced his season. He contributions allowed the Rhinos into the playoffs by finishing fourth in the standings. In the club's playoff run the Rhinos defeated Charleston Battery
Charleston Battery
Charleston Battery is an American professional soccer team based in Charleston, South Carolina, United States. Founded in 1993, the team plays in the American Division of the new USL Professional Division, the third tier of the American Soccer Pyramid....
in the quarterfinals to advance to the semifinals. There the Rhinos were defeated by the Puerto Rico Islanders
Puerto Rico Islanders
Puerto Rico Islanders is a Puerto Rican professional football team based in Bayamón, Puerto Rico. Founded in 2003, the team plays in the North American Soccer League , the second tier of the American Soccer Pyramid....
on a 3–2 aggregate on goals.
On February 17, 2009, the Rhinos announced the re-signing of Ze Roberto and along with striker Chris Sanders to a one-year deal with a one-year option for 2010. The following season he led the Rhinos to a sixth place finish in the standings enough to clinch a playoff spot. In the post season the Rhinos were eliminated in the quarterfinals by the Islanders once again on a 5–3 aggregate on goals. In 2010, Ze Roberto was once again reunited with his former mentor Bob Lilley, as he was appointed the new head coach for Rochester. Due to the significant restructuring of the organization he was deemed surplus to the Rhinos and his one-year option in his contract was not renewed making him a free agent.
Montreal Impact
- A-LeagueA-League (1995–2004)The A-League was a professional men's soccer league which featured teams from both the United States and Canada. The A-League emerged out of the restructured American Professional Soccer League in 1995 and operated until 2004, after which it was re-branded the USL First Division...
Championship (1): 20042004 A-League-Western Conference:-Eastern Conference:-Playoffs:... - Commissioner's CupUSL First DivisionThe United Soccer Leagues First Division was a professional men's soccer league in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico....
Winners (2): 2005United Soccer Leagues 2005-General:* A-League renamed USL First Division.* Pro Soccer League renamed USL Second Division.* The newly renamed top two divisions each become single table....
, 2006United Soccer Leagues 2006-General:* Miami FC joined the First Division.* The Richmond Kickers departed the First Division for the Second Division.* The Northern Virginia Royals departed the Second Division for the Premier Development League .... - Voyageurs CupVoyageurs CupThe Voyageurs Cup is the only trophy for top-level professional soccer in Canada. From 2002 to 2007, the cup was awarded annually to the Canadian team finishing with the best record in the USL First Division, from regular season matches against other Canadian teams in the league, and from 2008 the...
Champions (5): 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005